According to recent studies, agricultural startup companies are on the rise. In the wake of a tough economic recession and rising unemployment, many Americans have turned to the farm industry to supplement their income. The creation of these startup companies has helped reinforce the idea of a vibrant farm industry.

One such company, located in Oberlin, Ohio, is Heritage Lawn Mowing, which rents out sheep to local residents. These sheep graze on residential lawns, for the cost of $1 per sheep per day, maintaining home appearances without carbon emissions.

Two business school graduates in Seattle, Washington, created a local grocery business to make ends meet in a tough job market. Noticing that they lived in the midst of a food desert, an urban area with limited access to grocery stores and fresh food, Carrie Ferrence and Jacqueline Gjurgevich created StockBox Grocers, a company that refurbishes shipping containers into miniature grocery stores. These stores could be located in inner city areas with limited food access.

In addition to economic conditions, the agricultural startup industry has benefitted greatly from the increased global concern for sustainability and green businesses. Local agricultural startups have been able to take advantage of grants, funds, and classes devoted to sustainability and ecological protection.

While these companies certainly face their fair share of hardships (winter’s arrival as well as illness has limited Heritage Lawn Mowing’s business, for example), many hope that these startups could signify a new commitment to sustainable agriculture.

To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting .

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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer